New International VersionWhen Jacob heard that his daughter Dinah had been defiled, his sons were in the fields with his livestock; so he did nothing about it until they came home.
New Living TranslationSoon Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter, Dinah. But since his sons were out in the fields herding his livestock, he said nothing until they returned.
English Standard VersionNow Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah. But his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob held his peace until they came.
Berean Standard BibleJacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent about it until they returned.
King James BibleAnd Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
New King James VersionAnd Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field; so Jacob held his peace until they came.
New American Standard BibleNow Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah; but his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob said nothing until they came in.
NASB 1995Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; but his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob kept silent until they came in.
NASB 1977Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; but his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob kept silent until they came in.
Legacy Standard BibleNow Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; but his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob kept silent until they came in.
Amplified BibleNow Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled (violated) Dinah his daughter; but his sons were in the field with his livestock, so Jacob said nothing until they came in.
Christian Standard BibleJacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent until they returned.
Holman Christian Standard BibleJacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent until they returned.
American Standard VersionNow Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; and his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they came.
Contemporary English VersionMeanwhile, Jacob heard what had happened. But his sons were out in the fields with the cattle, so he did not do anything at the time.
English Revised VersionNow Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; and his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they came.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJacob heard that Shechem had dishonored his daughter Dinah. His sons were with his livestock out in the open country, so Jacob kept quiet until they came home.
Good News TranslationJacob learned that his daughter had been disgraced, but because his sons were out in the fields with his livestock, he did nothing until they came back.
International Standard VersionBecause Jacob learned that Shechem had dishonored his daughter Dinah while his sons were still out with their cattle on the open range, he remained silent until they returned.
NET BibleWhen Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. So Jacob remained silent until they came in.
New Heart English BibleNow Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob remained silent until they came.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter (now his sons were with his cattle in the field:) and Jacob held his peace till they had come. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent about it until they returned.
World English BibleNow Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob held his peace until they came. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jacob has heard that he has defiled his daughter Dinah, and his sons were with his livestock in the field, and Jacob kept silent until their coming.
Young's Literal Translation And Jacob hath heard that he hath defiled Dinah his daughter, and his sons were with his cattle in the field, and Jacob kept silent till their coming.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jacob heard that he defiled Dinah his daughter: and his sons were with his cattle in the field, and Jacob was silent till their coming. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut when Jacob had heard this, his sons being absent, and employed in feeding the cattle, he held his peace till they came back.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut when Jacob had heard this, since his sons were absent and he was occupied in pasturing the cattle, he remained silent until they came back.
New American BibleMeanwhile, Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah; but since his sons were out in the field with his livestock, Jacob kept quiet until they came home.
New Revised Standard VersionNow Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah; but his sons were with his cattle in the field, so Jacob held his peace until they came. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jacob heard that Dinah his daughter had been defiled; now his sons were with the cattle in the field; so Jacob held his peace until they came.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Yaquuv heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter, and his sons were with the livestock in the field, and Yaquuv was silent until they came. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; and his sons were with his cattle in the field; and Jacob held his peace until they came.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Jacob heard that the son of Emmor had defiled Dina his daughter (now his sons were with his cattle in the plain). And Jacob was silent until they came.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Defiling of Dinah… 4So Shechem told his father Hamor, “Get me this girl as a wife.” 5JacobheardthatShechem had defiledhis daughterDinah,but since his sonswerewithhis livestockin the field,heremained silent about ituntilthey returned.6Meanwhile, Shechem’s father Hamor came to speak with Jacob.…
Cross References Genesis 49:5-7Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. / May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim. / Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.
Genesis 30:20-21“God has given me a good gift,” she said. “This time my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” And she named him Zebulun. / After that, Leah gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah.
Genesis 29:31-35When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. / And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” / Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. ...
Genesis 37:34-35Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.
Genesis 46:15These are the sons of Leah born to Jacob in Paddan-aram, in addition to his daughter Dinah. The total number of sons and daughters was thirty-three.
Exodus 2:1-10Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, / and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. / But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. ...
Numbers 12:1-15Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife. / “Does the LORD speak only through Moses?” they said. “Does He not also speak through us?” And the LORD heard this. / Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. ...
Deuteronomy 22:28-29If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.
2 Samuel 13:1-22After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom. / Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her. / Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man, ...
2 Samuel 13:37-39Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. / After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. / And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.
1 Chronicles 2:1These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,
Psalm 12:5“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
Psalm 82:3-4Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 31:8-9Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.
Isaiah 1:17Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”
Treasury of Scripture And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. now his. Genesis 30:35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted,and every one that hadsome white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gavethem into the hand of his sons. Genesis 37:13,14 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feedthe flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Heream I… 1 Samuel 10:27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. held. Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, Thisis it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. Psalm 39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didstit. Jump to Previous CattleDaughterDefiledDinahFieldFieldsHeardHeldHomeJacobKeptLivestockPeaceQuietShechemSilentWordJump to Next CattleDaughterDefiledDinahFieldFieldsHeardHeldHomeJacobKeptLivestockPeaceQuietShechemSilentWordGenesis 34 1.Dinah is ravished by Shechem.4.He requests to marry her.13.The sons of Jacob offer the condition of circumcision to the Shechemites.20.Hamor and Shechem persuade them to accept it.25.The sons of Jacob upon that advantage slay them, and spoil their city.30.Jacob reproves Simeon and Levi.Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter DinahJacob, the patriarch, is informed of the violation of his daughter, Dinah, by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. This event takes place in the land of Canaan, where Jacob had settled after returning from Paddan Aram. The defilement of Dinah is a significant event, as it not only affects Jacob's family but also has broader implications for the relationship between Jacob's family and the inhabitants of the land. The act of defilement is seen as a grave sin, violating the sanctity of Dinah and the honor of Jacob's family. This incident foreshadows the tension and conflict that will arise between the Israelites and the Canaanites, highlighting the moral and cultural differences between them. but since his sons were with his livestock in the field
Jacob's sons, who would later become the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel, are occupied with tending to the family's livestock. This detail underscores the pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs, who were primarily shepherds and herdsmen. The mention of the sons being in the field indicates their responsibility and involvement in the family's economic activities. It also sets the stage for their reaction to the news of Dinah's defilement, as they are not immediately present to respond to the situation. The pastoral setting reflects the nomadic nature of Jacob's family and their dependence on livestock for sustenance and wealth. he remained silent about it until they returned
Jacob's silence can be interpreted in several ways. It may indicate his shock and grief over the incident, as well as his cautious nature in dealing with such a sensitive matter. His decision to wait for his sons' return suggests the importance of family unity and collective decision-making in addressing the crisis. This silence also highlights Jacob's role as a patriarch who must balance his emotions with the need for wise leadership. The delay in response allows for the development of a plan, which ultimately leads to the subsequent actions taken by his sons. Jacob's silence is a moment of tension, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the potential for conflict. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch of the Israelite tribes, father of Dinah, and a central figure in this account. His response to the defilement of his daughter is a focal point in this verse. 2. DinahThe daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose defilement by Shechem sets off a series of events that impact her family and the surrounding communities. 3. ShechemThe son of Hamor the Hivite, who defiled Dinah. His actions lead to significant conflict between his people and Jacob's family. 4. Jacob's SonsThey are tending livestock in the field at the time of the incident. Their reaction upon returning is crucial to the unfolding events. 5. The FieldRepresents the place of work and daily life for Jacob's sons, highlighting the interruption of normalcy by the crisis at hand. Teaching Points The Weight of SilenceJacob's initial silence can be seen as a moment of contemplation or indecision. In our lives, how do we balance the need for thoughtful response with the urgency of action in the face of injustice? Family Dynamics and LeadershipJacob's role as a father and leader is tested. This challenges us to consider how we lead and protect our families, especially in times of crisis. The Impact of SinShechem's sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not just individuals but entire communities. Reflect on how personal sin can ripple outwards, impacting others. Justice and VengeanceThe subsequent actions of Jacob's sons raise questions about justice and vengeance. How do we seek justice in a way that aligns with biblical principles? Community and AccountabilityThe involvement of Jacob's sons highlights the importance of community and accountability. How do we hold each other accountable in our communities of faith? Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 34:5?
2.How does Jacob's silence in Genesis 34:5 reflect his leadership responsibilities?
3.What lessons can we learn from Jacob's reaction to Dinah's defilement?
4.How does Genesis 34:5 connect to parental roles in Ephesians 6:4?
5.In what ways can we apply Jacob's response to modern family challenges?
6.How should Christians respond to injustice, considering Jacob's reaction in Genesis 34:5?
7.Why did Jacob remain silent upon hearing of Dinah's defilement in Genesis 34:5?
8.How does Genesis 34:5 reflect on Jacob's leadership and fatherhood?
9.What cultural norms influenced Jacob's reaction in Genesis 34:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34?
11.Genesis 34:27-29 - How does the looting and enslavement of the city align with later biblical laws condemning such acts?
12.Genesis 34:13-29 - Why would Simeon and Levi punish an entire city for one man's crime, and is there historical or archaeological evidence of such collective retribution?
13.(Genesis 35:5) Is there any historical or scientific record supporting the 'terror of God' preventing nearby cities from pursuing Jacob's family?
14.Who was Dinah in the Bible?What Does Genesis 34:5 Mean Jacob heard“Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah…” (Genesis 34:5) • Jacob is immediately informed—news travels swiftly in close-knit patriarchal households. • As head of the covenant family, Jacob is responsible for safeguarding his children (Genesis 18:19). • His awareness sets the stage for a measured, rather than impulsive, response (Proverbs 18:13).
Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah• The phrase “defiled” indicates a violation of God’s moral order. Scripture consistently treats sexual sin as defilement (Leviticus 18:24;Deuteronomy 22:25-27). • Dinah’s dignity and purity are central; her mistreatment is a breach of covenant family honor (2 Samuel 13:12). • This offense is also an assault on the fledgling nation Israel embodies—hence the gravity.
His sons were with his livestock in the field• Jacob’s sons, the future tribal heads, are absent, emphasizing Jacob’s temporary lack of immediate support (Genesis 30:35-36). • Their work with livestock reflects their vocation and God-given stewardship (Genesis 13:2-5). • The narrative highlights rural life rhythms: news must wait for laborers to return (Exodus 2:16).
He remained silent about it until they returned• Silence here is not apathy but strategic restraint. Jacob chooses deliberation over rash action (Proverbs 14:29). • Waiting for his sons ensures united family response, paralleling later examples of collective counsel (Joshua 22:13-16). • His restraint contrasts sharply with his sons’ later fury (Genesis 34:7, 25-26), underscoring differing temperaments within the same family (James 1:19-20).
summaryGenesis 34:5 captures Jacob’s immediate, deliberate pause when confronted with Dinah’s violation. He hears, recognizes the gravity, notes his sons’ absence, and chooses silence—demonstrating protective leadership that seeks unity and thoughtful action before confronting evil. (5) Jacob heard.--As Dinah did not return home ( Genesis 34:26), her father probably learned her dishonour from the maidservants who had gone out with her. But "he held his peace," chiefly from his usual cautiousness, as being no match for the Hivites, but partly because Leah's sons had the right to be the upholders of their sister's honour. Verse 5. - And Jacob heard - most likely from some of Dinah's companions (Patrick), since she herself was still detained in She-chore's house (ver. 26) - that he (Hamor's son) had defiled - the verb here employed conveys the idea of rendering unclean (cf. vers. 13, 27; Numbers 19:13; 2 Kings 23:10; Psalm 79:1; that in ver. 2 expresses the notion of violence) - Dinah his daughter. It was an aggravation of Shechem's wickedness that it was perpetrated not against any of Jacob's handmaids, but against his daughter. Now (literally, and) his sons were with his cattle in the field - perhaps that which he had lately purchased ( Genesis 33:19), or in some pasture ground more remote from the city. And Jacob held his peace - literally, acted as one dumb, i.e. maintained silence upon the painful subject, and took no measures to avenge Shechem s crime (cf. Genesis 24:21; 1 Samuel 10:27; 2 Samuel 13:22); either through sorrow (Ainsworth, Calvin), or through caution (Murphy, Lange), or through perplexity, as not knowing how to act (Kalisch), or as recognizing the right of his sons by the same mother to have a voice in the settlement of so important a question (Kurtz, Gerlach), to which undoubtedly the next clause points - until they were come - literally, until their coming.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Jacobוְיַעֲקֹ֣ב(wə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descheardשָׁמַ֗ע(šā·ma‘)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythatכִּ֤י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionShechem had defiledטִמֵּא֙(ṭim·mê)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2930:To be or become uncleanhis daughterבִתּ֔וֹ(ḇit·tōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323:A daughterDinah,דִּינָ֣ה(dî·nāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1783:Dinah -- daughter of Jacobbut since his sonsוּבָנָ֛יו(ū·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonwereהָי֥וּ(hā·yū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bewithאֶת־(’eṯ-)Preposition
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amonghis livestockמִקְנֵ֖הוּ(miq·nê·hū)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4735:Something bought, property, livestock, acquisitionin the field,בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה(baś·śā·ḏeh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704:Field, landheיַעֲקֹ֖ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descheld his peaceוְהֶחֱרִ֥שׁ(wə·he·ḥĕ·riš)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2790:To cut in, engrave, plow, deviseuntilעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethey returned.בֹּאָֽם׃(bō·’ām)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, go
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OT Law: Genesis 34:5 Now Jacob heard that he had defiled (Gen. Ge Gn) |
